1 celerity | Definition of celerity
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

celerity

noun
ce·​ler·​i·​ty | \ sə-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce celerity (audio) , -ˈle-rə-\

Definition of celerity

: rapidity of motion or action Celerity of movement is vital in war.
Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about celerity

Keep scrolling for more

Did You Know?

In the novel Of Human Bondage, W. Somerset Maugham tells of an undertaker's shop that used the words "Economy, Celerity, Propriety" as part of a window display involving "silver lettering on a black cloth" and "two model coffins." But celerity isn't dead in English writing, where it has proven its vitality since the Middle Ages. Shakespeare used it in Henry V when the chorus recited, "Thus with imagin'd wing our swift scene flies, / In motion of no less celerity / Than that of thought." Benjamin Franklin used it as a synonym of "velocity." And the speedy term (which can be traced back to celer, a Latin word meaning "swift") is still keeping pace today.

Examples of celerity in a Sentence

a journalist who writes his well-crafted stories with remarkable celerity

Recent Examples on the Web

 The list goes on, but the difference between now and centuries ago is the frequency and celerity with which materials move between continents and the increasing intensity of climate change. — Claire Marie Porter, WIRED, "This Voracious, Unstoppable Bug Is Killing Off Vineyards," 2 Aug. 2019 People solve mysteries and puzzles with shocking celerity. — Daniel Payne, National Review, "In Its Third Season, Stranger Things Strays from What Made It Great," 20 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'celerity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of celerity

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for celerity

Middle English celerite, borrowed from Anglo-French celeritee, borrowed from Latin celeritāt-, celeritās from celer "swift, speedy" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at accelerate

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on celerity

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with celerity

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for celerity

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!